Baskets Full of Goodies

Leaves cover the paths now under the fruit trees. Damp and scented, they form a carpet on the earth.

Sweeping is a constant job at this time of year but it’s good to leave a few leaves to shelter creatures over the winter.

Mellow autumn is turning the garden colours to shades of gold and red as plants fade from their summer splendour.

A few late flowers sing out their vivid colours and are welcome as the garden fades.

Time to plant winter veg so I’ve been popping things in where space allows. I’m hoping the sprouts will produce some lovely little buttons for Christmas. Cauliflowers and purple sprouting broccoli will be welcome in spring.

The tomatoes have finished so the plants could come out and the greenhouse bed tidied for hardy salads. Lettuce and other salad leaves will grow slowly through the winter then take off in February.

Most of the apples are gathered in now. A basket of fruit is such a lovely sight.

In fact, a basket of anything pleases me. I use baskets for so many things. Fruit and veg, knitting yarn and needles, embroidery thread; they all look pleasing in a basket. Here are a few of mine.

And here’s a sketch I did of our log basket by the fire.

Autumn is a slightly melancholy time despite its beauty. The prospect of dark, cold months fill with me with dread but “hope springs eternal” as the saying goes. I turn my thoughts to making the most of the here and now and better days to come. Here’s another little poem which this feeling inspired me to write.

OCTOBER DAYS
Sunny spells and sudden rain.
Rustling leaves and drooping flowers.
That time of year is here again
With daylight's fleeting hours.

Spider webs are glistening wet.
The moss is emerald green.
Sombre clouds, a constant threat
And whipping winds are keen.

Then the sun bursts through again.
Golden light upon the wall,
Glowing on the windowpane
Where the raindrops fall.

Scents of earth perfume the air.
Damp morning mists arise.
The trees are very nearly bare
As the restless wind moans and sighs.

Darker days lie just ahead
And though Winter may be cruel
We need not fear or dread
As we plan for Spring's renewal.

I hope you have plans yourself to keep you occupied and happy. With you again next week with a new cake recipe. Bye for now.